you know you're staying in an old convent when...

  We stayed in a hostel in Florence, Italy. It used to be a convent. There were a few odd features of this place. First, the doors were so small going into the rooms that you have to duck, well, unless you're under 5'5". No big deal, just gives it character. The other odd feature is the room we were in had a sink and a shower. The bed was right against the shower, kind of odd if you want your bed dry. What I found particularly odd was that there was a sink and shower but no toilet. I don't know about you, but in the middle of the night when I need to go, I'd rather have a toilet in my room than a shower. Guess when you retrofit these historic old buildings, you have to make concessions.  This was Hostel 7 Santi in Florence. I'd recommend it because it was clean and close to the bus line. I'd avoid it if you have prostate problems!

Wow, the colors, materials, and work put into the Junkanoo is amazing

I took hundreds of pictures like this of all different people carrying and wearing huge displays of feathers and glitter and costumes. The Junkanoo shouldn't be missed. I admit when I first heard that there was a parade, I thought yuck! but the costumes and energy were like nothing I had ever seen before. The majority of these huge costumes were carried by the people wearing them!  Definitely not something to miss. This is the New Years celebration on Grand Bahama.

This is what you dream your view will be from your hotel in Venice

When I looked out my hotel window, I could see the classic architecture and a gondolier in the canal. My room was near San Marco and air conditioned and inexpensive compared to others in the area. The staff was so friendly and helpful, great place to stay. We stayed in Casa Fenice.

Don't be afraid to try snorkling, Even I can do it! check out my first picture!

I had never snorkeled or used a Go Pro before, but I borrowed a friends camera and jumped in. We had a great time and I saw a ton of fish. I'd definitely recommend buying or bringing food to attract the fish. This picture was taken off the coast of Grand Bahama.

How can you beat this for a view in a campground? It's amazing!

How beautiful this campground is!  It's Fiori D'Arancio in Piano di Sorrento and it was one of my favorite places I stayed while backpacking in Europe during the summer of 2014.  And this isn't some fake photo where they stage a pool to look empty, then when you show up and want to use it, it's packed. This pool is huge! and the campground is small. With the mountain in the background it was breath taking every time I walked into the pool area. A great place to stay.

Free curriculum and materials for science fiction class

Free information and materials for semester long class that uses fiction books to teach Science concepts.
    Back when I was in grad school for Education, I took a class the school created for the Science majors called Science in Fiction. I loved that class and for years I had hoped I would get the chance to teach a class like that. This year I was given that class. So I am creating the class for what appears to be only one year. There is substantial talk that our electives will be cut next year so rather than do all this work for one class,  I thought I would share the information I have developed so maybe someone else out there can use it.
    With the "common core" it seems they've moved all reading to non-fiction. While I can understand the need to have our students ready and able to read non-fiction for the job world, fiction still can be used to grab a students interest. Many kids complain they don't like science. What better way to get them interested than to use popular books and then teach the science that is used in those books. Granted this is an upper level elective, but I'm sure the ideas in it can be adapted for younger students. I am listing a variety of books that I used, along with reading assignments, lab activities, vocabulary lists, the link to my quizlet.com account, and notes on the science topics I chose to cover in the class. I cover topics such as forensic anthropology, medical mystery, time travel, space, and global warming.
    I hope the materials are things that can help you get students interested in science!

The Best Hidden Jewel in the Adirondacks!

My favorite campground in the Adirondacks has to be Brown's Tract Ponds campground! This little ( 90 site) State campground has remained one of the more natural campgrounds I've been to. They upgraded the bathrooms to flush toilets a few years ago, but there still are no showers or electrical, water, or sewer hook-up. Many cell phone plans do not work in parts of the park. What better way to connect to kids and family than a place where there electronic devices aren't used. Get away from the pressures of everyday life and relax with nature. I can't recommend this location strongly enough for the more naturalist park camper, I am reluctant to do so because I want to keep it quiet and peaceful and natural for myself!